Cyber Security Research Placement (Aerospace)

Location: Filton, Bristol / Newport, United Kingdom; hybrid working options may be available depending on the role. The placement may involve travel to hirify.global sites, events, and academic conferences across Europe.

Salary: £24,246 per year

Company

hirify.global Defence and Space develops aerospace and defence solutions, with the Cyber Innovation team focused on protecting critical infrastructure from advanced cyber threats.

What you will do

• Contribute to ongoing and new digital security research and innovation projects.
• Build and test cybersecurity prototypes and experiment with emerging technologies.
• Work with internal business teams and universities to develop new security innovations.
• Scout and assess new cybersecurity technologies and their capabilities.
• Write internal technical reports and contribute to papers for leading cybersecurity conferences.
• Potentially travel to hirify.global sites, industry events, and academic conferences across Europe.

Requirements

• Undergraduate status is mandatory for the full 12.5-month placement.
• Study toward a degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Psychology, Human Factors, Computing, or an equivalent subject.
• Relevant academic modules may include artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, data science, secure software development, cybersecurity law, cloud security, network security, operational technology security, or human-computer interaction.
• Professional-level written and spoken English.
• Ability to communicate clearly, work relatively autonomously, collaborate in a technical team, and develop creative solutions to complex problems.
• BPSS screening is required; UK SC-level security clearance or Export Control approval may also be required depending on the role.

Nice to have

• Research design and technical report writing experience.
• Experience with Linux, Android, Cisco networking, VLANs, firewalls, Wireshark, Nmap, vulnerability scanners, IDS tools, or web application penetration testing tools.
• Knowledge of protocols including TCP/IP, MODBUS, Profinet, CIP, S7, Zigbee, CANBUS, or Bluetooth.
• Experience with Python, C++, Java, R, Rust, statistics, AI/ML models, Google Workspace, or survey and research tools.
• Additional language skills and willingness to travel.

Culture & Benefits

• Work alongside cybersecurity specialists in cyberpsychology, smart manufacturing, AI/ML, cryptography, and cloud security.
• Participate in a hands-on research and development environment with opportunities to contribute ideas and challenge existing approaches.
• 35-hour working week with flexible working hours.
• Half-day Fridays.
• 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays.

Hiring process

• Submit a CV and cover letter explaining motivation and suitability.
• Applicants may apply for multiple positions but can progress through selection for only one position at a time.